Thailand hosts World Tourism Day 2016 under theme of equal-opportunity travel

[webfact]

Thailand hosts World Tourism Day 2016 under theme of equal-opportunity travel

 

  

BANGKOK, 27 September 2016 (NNT) – Tourism industry leaders from 157 countries have joined in celebrating World Tourism Day 2016, this year being observed under the theme of equal-opportunity travel. 

Thailand is hosting this year’s World Tourism Day celebration with 157 national representatives from the United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO) member countries convening in the Kingdom for seminars and events on equal-opportunity tourism. 

Secretary-General of the Thai Disabled Development Foundation (TDDF) Weerasak Kowsurat indicated that despite 1.2 million Thais regularly engaged in leisure travel, very few are disabled. He cited the figure while calling for a reconsideration of tourism facilitation, stating priorities must be reset to ensure the right to travel for disabled individuals is upheld. 

National Legislative Assembly (NLA) member Monthien Boontan voiced his appreciation that 166 countries have signed a treaty for the care of traveling disabled people, which calls for regulations and standards to be set to ensure handicap accessible tourism sites and the launch of a website for disabled travelers. 

 

-- nnt 2016-09-27

[Dah fahrang]

Such a shame that 'Equal Opportunity' - in all its forms, in all facets of life,  is non-existent in this 'happy' land.

Suggestions of, let alone demonstrating equality of opportunity  - are instantly quashed. 

 

[whatproblem]

Equal opportunity,said the lady in Hua hin who got kicked in the head same her husband

[Eligius]

Oh how pathetic and absurd! I can think of few countries that are less disabled-friendly (or, for that matter, pedestrian friendly) than Thailand. Try walking along any of the 'pavements' (and I am being ultra-generous in using that term) in Bangkok and you will find yourself facing an assault course. There is no concern for ordinary pedestrians,  let alone for the disabled. 

This is the usual Thai nonsense: speak big, and do the very opposite of what you say!

[williamgeorgeallen]

how about equal opportunity no matter what you skin color?  i know a bargirl who can get a job in any go-go bars because she is not white enough. probably lucky for me as it would push her out of my budget.

[Retiredandhappyhere]

Hua Hin is a classic example of a disabled person's nightmare.  Even perfectly fit pedestrians struggle to find a safe passageway on Hua Hin's pavements which are full of missing pavoirs, jutting pipes, loose electrical cables, obstructing signs and business operations, not to mention parked motorbikes.  High pavements, often with no ramps, and  with many steps up to some stores must make it almost impossible for wheelchairs and disabled people to get around. As a poster said, publicity (propaganda) and action are two distinct things. Thailand tends to be good at the first but pretty hopeless at the second.